Applying for recognition of higher education qualifications, equivalence of diplomas and equivalence of professional qualifications

This page was last modified on 27-03-2018

Diplomas, certificates, school reports and certificates from general secondary, technical secondary and vocational education establishments obtained abroad, can under certain conditions be recognised as equivalent.

The Department for the Recognition of Diplomas (Service de la reconnaissance des diplômes) will determine whether the candidate's level of studies, diplomas and/or professional qualifications are recognised as equivalent to the qualification required in Luxembourg in order to access:

certain liberal professions and professions in the commercial and craft sector;

healthcare profession;

and socio-educational professions (certified educator, carer).

Applications for recognition of equivalence are subject to the payment of a fee.

Commercial/liberal/craft professions

The holder, irrespective of their nationality, may require recognition of their level of education, of the equivalence of diplomas and of the equivalence of professional qualifications acquired abroad relative to equivalent diplomas in Luxembourg in order to obtain a licence to practise one of the following in the country:

a craft activity (qualification must be equivalent to the vocational skills certificate (CATP) / the vocational aptitude diploma (DAP) or the Master Craftsman's certificate);

or certain commercial or liberal activities (qualification must be equivalent to the vocational skills certificate / vocational aptitude diploma).

In order to obtain the recognition of the equivalence of a secondary school graduation diploma obtained abroad (in or outside the EU), the holder can request a recognition of the diploma (secondary school graduation diploma, A-level, baccalauréat).

To obtain the recognition of a higher education (academic) diploma obtained abroad (in or outside the EU), the holder must either request the approval of his diploma or register his diploma in the register of certificates for higher education diplomas.

Health and socio-educational professions

The holder, irrespective of their nationality, must obtain the recognition of equivalence of theirstudies, of their diplomas and of their professional qualifications acquired abroad with respect to equivalent diplomas in Luxembourg, before applying for a licence to practise one of the following professions (non-exhaustive list):

All applications for recognition of equivalence are subject to the paymentof atax of EUR 75 for a diploma or other. If applicable, EUR 300 shall be added to this if a compensatory measure is required (adaptation period/aptitude test).

The tax must be paid by transfer on the bank account of the Luxembourg Land Registration and Estates Department (Administration de l'enregistrement et des domaines):IBAN LU13 1111 0011 4679 0000,BIC code: CCPLLULLCommunication: “Taxe reconnaissance des diplômes, MENJE”, [Surname of the applicant], [Date of the application]

The corresponding proof of payment must be included with the application.

The fee must be paid in order for the application to be processed, but does not guarantee that the application will be successful. For each diploma or other professional qualification submitted, the conditions for the recognition of equivalence must be met.

If the application for recognition of equivalence is refused, the fee is not reimbursed.

A copy of the certificate of equivalence may be issued, subject to the payment of a EUR 10fee.

a curriculum vitae (CV) in Europass format or other, indicating in particular:

the detailed schooling curriculum;

legitimate professional experience that can be proven by a document of a certain legal value (employment certificate, payslip, etc.) and completed internships;

date and place of birth;

a copy of the diplomas / certificates / school reports for the last 3 years in school;

a copy of the work certificates concerning the professions for which the recognition is applied for;

a copy of an identity document (ID card or passport stating the place of birth);

proof of payment of a tax to the Indirect Tax Authority (AED) (see details under "Costs");

for socio-educational professions: documentary evidence of the last 3 years of training;

for third-country nationals: a copy of their valid residence permit.

All copies of documents issued by countries outside the European Union must be certified true to the original by a competent authority (communal administration, embassy or consulate).

If the documents are not in German, French or English a certified translation by a sworn translator must be attached. The translator's stamp must be affixed partly on the translation and partly on the source document. Each document must be signed by the translator.

Processing the application

The recognition of equivalence of diplomas or professional qualifications is not granted automatically (except for midwifery and nursing qualifications). It is conducted on a case-by-case basis, and generally at the decision of a committee overseen by the Department for the Recognition of Diplomas.

If the applicant fails to submit the requested documents within 3 years following a request for additional information, the application for recognition will be cancelled and a new application will have to be submitted.

Once the applicant's file is complete, the Department for the Recognition of Diplomas will generally send an answer within 2 to 6 weeks and after 3 monthsat the most.

This deadline begins from the date on which the complete application is submitted to the Department for Recognition of Diplomas.

Refusal of recognition

In the event where the recognition of the level of education, of the equivalence of a diploma or of a professional qualification is denied, a non-contentious appeal may be lodged with the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth.

If the non-contentious appeal is unsuccessful, a judicial appeal can be filed with the help of a lawyer before the administrative tribunal in Luxembourg against the decision of the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth.